New expanded crop lien law helps California recover wages for Coachella Valley farmworkers
COACHELLA — This past spring, as temperatures reached triple digits on multiple days in California’s Coachella Valley, a group of farmworkers harvesting a plant known as moringa labored through long days only to be denied their full wages and compensation. But a new expanded crop lien law, which strengthens existing protections, gave California’s Labor Commissioner’s Office (LCO) a powerful tool to help recover thousands of dollars in unpaid wages quickly.
After the LCO launched its initial investigation into wage-and-hour violations in May, this group of 11 farmworkers recovered nearly $10,000, with settlement payments starting in June.
What California Labor Commissioner Lilia García-Brower said: “This case shows how speedy enforcement tools like the crop lien law, combined with trusted community partnerships, can turn California’s labor protections into real results for workers. Because these workers knew their rights and our team was able to act quickly, we recovered the wages and compensation they were owed."
The workers, employed by Valdovinos Farms, LLC located in Mecca, in the Coachella Valley, harvested moringa from May 3 through May 16, 2026, but were not paid all wages owed and were not provided required meal- and rest-periods. An LCO audit identified unpaid minimum and contract wages, meal- and rest-period premiums, liquidated damages and waiting time penalties.
LCO staff interviewed the workers on May 15 and, six days later, filed a crop lien on their behalf and helped secure payment of the wages owed. Under Civil Code section 3061.5, agricultural workers who harvest or transport harvested crops may have a preferred lien on the harvested crops or proceeds from their sale for the value of up to two weeks of their labor. Because harvested crops can be sold quickly, this enforcement tool can help protect workers’ ability to recover unpaid wages before the proceeds are dispersed. Senate Bill 846, which took effect January 1, 2026, expanded the law by eliminating a previous restriction that limited crop liens to crops owned and produced by limited partnerships.
The workers sought assistance from TODEC Legal Center, a community-based organization that referred them to the LCO. Throughout the case, TODEC educated the workers about state labor laws and LCO processes, facilitated meetings and provided a safe space for the workers to meet with LCO staff.
About the Labor Commissioner’s Office
The LCO combats wage theft and unfair competition by investigating allegations of illegal and unfair business practices. In 2025, the LCO recovered $78 million in unpaid wages for workers across California.
In 2020, the LCO launched a multi-pronged outreach campaign, “Reaching Every Californian.” The campaign amplifies basic protections and builds pathways to affected populations, so workers and employers understand legal protections and obligations, as well as the LCO’s enforcement procedures.
As of 2026, new laws are in effect to provide greater protections for workers, including the Workplace Know Your Rights Act. While required postings must still be maintained, the annual notice is designed to increase awareness by proactively reaching workers where they are.
California labor laws protect workers in most industries regardless of their immigration status. Workers who file wage claims, retaliation complaints or exercise other rights under California labor laws are not required to disclose their immigration status. Workers who have questions about labor laws enforced by the LCO can call 1-833-LCO-INFO (833-526-4636) between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The LCO does not ask about the immigration status of any individual seeking assistance or protection under California labor law.
The LCO is a division of the Department of Industrial Relations.
Follow the California Labor Commissioner on Facebook, Instagram and X.
Employers with Questions on Requirements May Contact: MakeItFair@dir.ca.gov
Media Contact: Communications@dir.ca.gov, (510) 286-1161